What’s the difference in the Divisions of certification?  

Essentially, the difference between divisions is related to the level of welding engineering support the organization has.  A summary of the key differences is below:  

CSA Standard W47.1 (Steel) & CSA Standard W47.2 (Aluminum):

Requirements for Certification

Division  1

Division 2

Division 3

Qualified Welders

YES

YES

YES

Qualified Welding Procedures

YES

YES

YES

Qualified Welding Supervisor

YES

YES

YES

Qualified Welding Engineer

YES – Employed Full Time

YES – On Retainer

NO

CSA Standard W186 (Reinforcing Bar):

This standard has no divisions.  All companies certified to CSA W186 must employ a welding supervisor and employ / retain a welding engineer.